The Mock Trial team selection process takes place during September and October. First, you will be placed on a practice team. An experienced Duke Mock Trial member will be your practice team captain, and he or she will help you learn all about collegiate mock trial. You, your captain, and the rest of your teammates will work together for several weeks to develop a case strategy for try outs. Once try outs roll around, you all will show off all your hard work (even your captain!) via practice team scrimmages. Your team will scrimmage once on each side(plaintiff/prosecution and defense).


    The time you spend with your practice team will truly be rewarding. No matter what, you will meet some wonderful people, make some great friends, and know a few more friendly faces on campus. Many of the strongest friendships within the Duke Mock Trial community started on a practice team. This is a wonderful learning time as well, and it will give you a very good idea of what it is like to prepare for competition. While you are working with your practice team, you will be able to gage how much time and effort is required to be competitive in Mock Trial. Upperclassmen and lowerclassmen help each other through the rules, examinations, speeches, witness roles, and case strategies.


    After try outs, the team selection committee will place you on a competitive team, either as a regular member or an alternate. You will work with your competitive team for the next few months, getting ready for regionals. Regional competition takes place in late January or February. It is imperative that all team members participate in the regional competitions. You are very highly valued, whether you are a regular team member or an alternate team member! With a good team effort, hard work, and talent, we can send two teams to nationals every year! Mock Trial is a learning experience, so remember that your participation, no matter how great or small, will be immensely helpful for future teams!


    We invite you to come check out the Duke Mock Trial team members at our orientation meeting in August, and our general body meeting in September! Join a practice team and see what it is all about! Get involved in Duke Mock Trial!!!